New think tank launched to increase policy engagement

Thursday 23 March 2023

A new think tank has launched in Jersey, with its first project due to focus on social mobility in the island.

The Policy Centre Jersey will undertake research, provide a forum for discussion, and publish up-to-date briefings and papers on key issues.

Topics covered will include: Jersey's constitution, political system, legal system, economy, population, parishes, and public finances.

Alan Merry, Chair of Jersey Post, will be leading the Steering Committee, which will manage the Centre's activities. 

The think tank also has an Advisory Council, which will be chaired by Simon Burgess, with Wendy Dorman and Kate Wright as Vice Chairs. The Council will have representatives from charities, businesses and public bodies.

The team behind the new think tank hopes its work will provide islanders with a resource to get a clearer understanding of current issues and policies in Jersey. They also hope this information will assist local newcomers and teachers covering local issues as part of the school curriculum.

The Centre has also said it will collaborate with other organisations working in the area of civic engagement, such as the Jersey Policy Forum.

The Policy Centre’s first research project will assess the state of social mobility in Jersey and the issues that need to be addressed to increase it. Background papers on this topic have already been published on the Policy Centre’s website. 

"One of our key aims is to increase the opportunities for people to become more knowledgeable and more involved in the key issues affecting their lives," Mr Merry said. "We intend to work closely with other organisations in Jersey and other jurisdictions and will seek to draw on the excellent work done by many think tanks in the United Kingdom and elsewhere."

Pictured: The Policy Centre will provide access to its resources on its website. 

He added: "The aims of the Centre have already attracted support from businesses, charities and public bodies and we will work with them to encourage their involvement and support."

Mr Merry added that the Centre would concentrate on other longer-term issues such as "the consequences of an ageing population and the impact of technological developments on the labour market."

Chair Simon Burgess commented: "The Advisory Council will guide the work of the Centre and approve an annual work programme. Individual members of the Council may contribute to projects where they have expertise.

"The quality and range of people who have already agreed to become members of the Advisory Council is indicative of the support that the organisation has already attracted.

"The Council will be expanded to ensure that it is fully representative of all sections of the community."